Crick Boat Show

Sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston
 

A cartoon penguin waves from the bow of a small cabin boat floating on the water.

For a boat insurance quote:

When?

23rd-26th May
(Bank Holiday weekend)

Where?

Crick Marina, Northampton

How much is it?

£15.39 – £43

What is it?

The Crick Boat Show is the largest inland waterways festival in the United Kingdom. It takes place at Crick Marina on the Grand Union Canal near Daventry in Northamptonshire every year over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Show has the greatest display of new inland boats, both narrowboats and wide beams, and it transforms into Britain’s largest chandlery for three days when over 260 exhibitors bring together the whole spectrum of inland boating equipment and supplies.

The Crick Boat Show has become a popular destination for waterways enthusiasts wishing to modify or upgrade their boat, newcomers eager to get afloat for the first time, and those looking for a relaxing day on the water.

The show is organised by Waterways World magazine in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina.

Logo for the Crick Boat Show, featuring a boat silhouette and text indicating sponsorship by Haven Knox-Johnston.
Person reading an illustrated booklet with images of a boat and a sailboat on the pages.

What can you expect?

  • Free Boat Trips
  • Boat handling sessions
  • Seminars
  • Trade & Preview Day
  • Canal & River Trust Marquee
  • Wheatsheaf Bar
  • Music Entertainment
  • VIP Marquee
  • Activities For Children
  • Favourite Boat in Show
  • Historic Boats
  • And much more

PROUD TITLE SPONSORS OF CRICK BOAT SHOW

We are delighted to announce a three-year title sponsorship agreement with the Crick Boat Show. This well-established and popular inland boating show will now be referred to as Crick Boat Show sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston.

Having worked closely with the show organising team at Waterways World for several years as sponsors of the prestigious Favourite Boat in Show competition and more recently to support Trade & Preview Day, the new title sponsorship agreement demonstrates our commitment to giving back to the inland boating community, playing an active role in maintaining the unique culture and experience of life on the cut.

 

Visit us in our pavilion (stand V3)

At the show everyone is invited to visit our pavilion next to the show entrance to rest and enjoy our hospitality.  Learn about moving full time onto the canals in our liveaboard hub, pick up some exclusive goodies (including our new 2025 doggy bandana) and meet our crew in person.  We have experts on hand to help with both boat and business insurance, so whatever your needs we are ready to help.

Live-aboard Hub

Within the hub you will find lots of information to start off on the right track.  Whether it’s learning the basics of liveaboard etiquette, figuring out how to receive that important parcel, through to making sure you can see a doctor when you need help, the hub aims to provide information to guide your journey on to the waterways network.

A man and woman are talking, with speech bubbles shaped like submarines above their heads.
A man and a woman stand side by side, holding hands and facing forward, drawn in a simple black and white style.

Floating Our Boat

Fran and Rich from YouTube channel ‘Floating Our Boat’ will be joining Haven K-J on Saturday and Sunday at the show to meet with fans and share their experience of life on the inland waterways.  Having spent the last seven years continuously cruising the length and breadth of the UK waterways, they are a fantastic font of knowledge to dip into and discover everything you need to know.

Favourite Boat in Show

Once again, Haven Knox-Johnston will be sponsoring the popular Favourite Boat in Show Competition, with show visitors able to cast a vote for their pick of the best boat on display in 2025.  With the prestigious award always hotly contested, tablets for voting will be available in both the main and quayside Haven K-J marquees.

A man, a child, and a dog ride on a canal boat, with the child and dog looking and pointing ahead.
Black and white illustration of a seated dog with one dark ear, a dark patch over one eye, and a heart-shaped nose marking.

Insurance Expertise (and freebies)

Not all insurance policies are created equal and it’s always worth finding out more about the nitty gritty of what’s covered and what’s not!  Haven K-J’s team of boat and commercial insurance specialists will be on hand across the weekend to answer your questions on all boat and business insurance matters.  You can be assured of a warm welcome on the stand and a few freebies to pick up!

When is it?

Crick Boat Show 2025 will take place over the Bank Holiday of Friday 23rd to Monday 26th May.

Friday 23rd May is the Trade & Preview Day when all boats and Quayside stands (and much of the Show Village and Boating Marquee) will be open to trade visitors and Preview Day ticket holders. This year the Trade & Preview Day is being proudly sponsored by our sister company Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial who will have a team of experts available to answer your marine trade insurance queries.

HKJ FAQs

FAQs

Where is Crick Boat Show held?

Crick Boat Show is held in Crick Marina in Northampton. The marina is located at West Haddon Rd, Crick, Northants, NN6 7SQ.

Can I camp at Crick Boat Show?

Yes! Caravans, RVs, and tents have their own camping area at the Crick Boat Show. Water, showers, toilets, sanitary, and garbage disposal are all available on site.

The campground has a small incline, so it is not completely level. Please note that capacity is limited and that availability cannot be guaranteed unless reservations are made in advance. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Show tickets are not included in the price of a camping spot and need to be purchased separately.

You can book camping here

Where can I buy tickets for Crick Boat Show?

You can purchase tickets for Crick Boat Show at the gate or online at their website: Crick Boat Show

Tickets get snapped up very quickly so we always advise to purchase ahead of May when wristbands are distributed to ticket-holders!

Is there parking at Crick Boat Show?

There is plenty of car parking at Crick Boat Show, including disabled parking & facilities and there is no charge for this.

What kind of food do Crick Boat Show offer?

Fish & chips, farmer’s grill, baguettes & paninis, Indian rassoi, pizza, pasties, doughnuts, and tea & coffee are among the culinary options available around the Food Court during Crick Boat Show.

If you happen to be at the Marina, you can get a cup of coffee or tea from a charmingly restored vintage van.